Action demanded against racist incitement

Three-quarters of those replying to an online poll by The Times believe that action should be taken against those inciting racial hatred, while as many as a quarter think otherwise.

The question was asked in the wake of the controversial Safi Barracks incidents.

One respondent highlighted the fact that 25 per cent was, nevertheless, high, confirming that the Maltese are racists deep down.

Among those who agree with action against the inciters was the idea that racial hatred had no place in modern society and recalled Hitler's deeds, 60 years ago.

But, on the other end of the scale, were comments promoting the idea of getting "rid of all illegal immigrants as soon as possible, as well as all Arabs".

A respondent protested that "if they want freedom, they can fight for it in their own country. We have our own problems and we don't want more". Those who voted for were called "traitors" and should be ashamed to say they were Maltese. They should not have an ID card, another said.

Among those not in favour of action against the inciting of racial hatred some commented that the Maltese had every right to protest against the attitude that the foreigner came first.

No action should be taken against the armed forces because what happened at Safi was the government's fault for keeping the illegal immigrants in Malta, a respondent insisted.

"This is not where they wanted to land," he said, placing the responsibility squarely on the Prime Minister's shoulders.

"There has been very little written about the violence and threats suffered daily by the unarmed staff at Safi Barracks. These soldiers are the victims and the immigrants are the aggressors," said another.

Conflicting theories were expressed in the poll: "Trying to stifle those inciting racial hatred would not make them go away; they would just move underground where they would really become dangerous".

And, on the other hand, "this tiny viper could very well grow into a threatening serpent, so its head should be quashed immediately before it grows and does irreparable harm".

The poll question clearly aroused the hot matter of illegal immigrants. But one respondent separated the issues, saying the problem of the immigrants had nothing to do with racism.

"If they were white, it would be the same. I am not a racist and have come in contact with all nationalities. But when I have to struggle and work hard to provide for my family, while these immigrants seem to be getting everything for nothing, this is were the fault lies. It upsets a lot of people, but has nothing to do with racism."

It was also pointed out that "white people are not the only ones guilty of racism". In the UK, the native population has fewer rights than others, one respondent said, warning against this happening in Malta.

Even foreigners expressed their opinion in the online poll. A person saying he was a Scotsman insisted that "people are people, regardless of their ethnic origin, colour, or religion" while complaining about the disgraceful lack of tolerance and integration in the UK.

A regular visitor to Malta, he described the locals as "very welcoming".

His views were, however, not shared by a Maltese respondent, who claimed Maltese society has never tolerated outsiders - whatever their race, colour, or creed - dictating matters and making impossible demands on its resources.

"One thing's for sure, despite the international criticism our country got about how these persons were treated, no one bothered to lift a finger and take some of them off our responsibility," said another respondent.